Russia expressed openness to a multinational guarantor framework, including potential Chinese participation; European leaders pushed for a “coalition of the willing” outside NATO.
Ukraine insisted that security guarantees must be binding and credible but not NATO-based, to avoid triggering escalation.
Negotiators debated whether to freeze the conflict at the current front lines or allow Russia further territorial recognition.
3. Battlefield and Political Context
Russian forces are encircling Ukrainian units in Donbass, cutting supply lines and creating “operational cauldrons,” with a breakout aimed at the Dnieper River, Ukraine’s final natural defensive line.
Russian hardliners demanded full Black Sea control up to Odessa, while Ukrainian hardliners rejected any talks with Moscow as illegitimate.
Polling shows collapse of war support in Ukraine: in 2022, 73% backed total victory; by 2025, only 24% hold that position, while 69% now favor immediate negotiations.
European leaders acted as “chaperones,” aiming to keep Zelensky aligned and prevent another failed Oval Office meeting.
FINAL WORD
The Anchorage Accords, Chapter 2, revolve around three red lines: recognition of Crimea, exclusion of Ukraine from NATO, and a settlement of Donbass. Trump is pressing for a territorial-for-security trade. With Russian encirclement deepening in Donbass and Ukrainian public opinion shifting toward compromise, the Accords may represent the last viable opening for a negotiated peace.
On today’s episode of Human Events Daily, President Trump met with Zelensky and various European leaders at the White House for the Anchorage Accords, where Ukraine was told to concede Crimea and abandon NATO membership, Russia demanded further territorial concessions, and Europe pushed for non-NATO security guarantees.
